Cancer stem cell-like properties of EpCAM~+ cell subpopulation in hepatocellular carcinoma cell line Huh-7

Aim:To observe the properties of epithelial cell adhesion molecule(EpCAM)-positive cell subpopulation sorted from human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line Huh-7.Methods:EpCAM+ and EpCAM-subpopulations were isolated by automagnetic activated cell-sorting system and their abilities of proliferation,differentiation,colony formation,resistance to cisplatin and tumorgenicity were observed.Results:The cell proliferation ability of EpCAM+ subpopulation was stronger than that of EpCAM-subpopulation(P0.001).The number of colonies formed by EpCAM+ subpopulations was more than that of EpCAM-subpopulations(P0.001).The proportion of EpCAM+ cells in sorted subpopulation decreased gradually as the cells were cultured.After Huh-7 cells were cultured with cisplatin,the percentage of EpCAM+ cells increased(P0.001).Only 103 EpCAM+ cells were enough to form tumors in nude mice after subcutaneous inoculation for four weeks,while 105 EpCAM-cells were necessary to form tumors.Conclusion:EpCAM+ subpopulation sorted from Huh-7 has properties of liver cancer stem cell.EpCAM might be a valuable marker for isolating and purifying hepatocellular carcinoma stem cells.